Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most leading causes of heel pain. It involves swelling of a thick band of connective tissue (plantar fascia) that runs across the bottom of your feet and attaches your heel bone to your toes.

Plantar fasciitis is more common in athletes. People who are obese and wear shoes with inadequate support are also at increased risk of developing plantar fasciitis.

Plantar fasciitis causes a stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot and typically occurs with your first steps in the morning. The pain usually decreases as you get up and move more, but it might return after extended periods of standing or rising from sitting.

Several things can cause plantar fasciitis. You are more likely to develop this condition if you

• Are a women 
• Are obese
• Wear worn-out shoes
• Have a high arch or flat feet
• Often wear high-heeled shoes
• Have a tight Achilles tendons
• Have an unusual foot position or walk

Most people with plantar fasciitis recover with conservative treatments such as rest, stretching and icing the painful area, in several months. Some people may need additional treatment options that include;

Pain-relieving drugs such as naproxen sodium (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others)

Physical therapy, stretching exercises, and the use of specialized devices such as night splints and orthotics may subside pain and other associated symptoms

When conservative measures are not working, your doctor might recommend:

• Steroid injections
• Extracorporeal shock wave therapy
• Tenex procedure
• Surgical detachment of the plantar fascia